NDT News

NDT News

All around the country, welders can make a dependable middle class living off of their skills and knowledge. However, you need to be able to pass your exam to become a high paid certified welder. If you're not prepared to take the CWI test, all the talent in the world won't amount to much.

Here are three things to remember to ensure that you pass your test on the first try.

1. Prepare in Advance

No matter what the test is, if you don't make a serious effort to prepare, you're not going to do well. This is especially true for a welding exam.

Even if you're an experienced welder who has been at it for 20 years, you might not be prepared for the exam. Over time, even the best welder can build up some bad habits that the CWI testers will fail you for.

There is a lot of reference material to read over before you arrive on test day. It should be reviewed a few times to ensure that you know what to expect.

Take a few practice exams that include time restraints. That way you'll be prepared for the pressure of taking your CWI exam. Ask a few colleagues if they've had good experiences with an exam company so you can get the help you need.

2. Go In With a Testing Strategy

There are three main parts of your CWI test. Each portion has its own unique challenges and without a plan of attack, you could end up wasting precious testing time. Taking some practice exams will help you figure out how much time you can spend on each question.

If you haven't taken a test in a while, you might forget that common mistake of spending too much time on a single question. Spending 20 minutes on a single question could leave dozens of easier questions unfinished.

Go in knowing your strengths and weaknesses. If you have a weakness on a particular concept, skip those difficult questions for the end. You can go back and devote your spare time to them once you've covered everything you know well.

Arrive with pencils, erasers, calculators and everything else that you need. Be clear about what is allowed and what isn't.

3. Check Your Work Carefully

Depending on which test you're going to be taking, you need to know how to use the codebook. If you're not a veteran inspector, you might not be on top of what is and isn't kosher.

Some inspectors will remember codes off the top of their head and will breeze through Part C of the exam. If you're feeling a little bit rusty, take some time to refresh your knowledge.

You Can Pass Your CWI Test on the First Try

If you don't know your way around the expectations of the CWI exam, you're going to struggle to pass your test on the first try. The CWI test is easy if you adequately prepare, take time to focus, and stay calm during the day of the exam.

The booming economy and dramatic increase in construction across the country has spurred a renewed effort to rectify the shortage of skilled labor. Paramount in that effort is to increase the number of qualified welders, and where there is welding there needs to be welding inspectors. The various industries are working diligently to increase the number of skilled welders and with that the demand for Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) is increasing exponentially. The American Institute of Nondestructive Testing (AINDT) is filling this need by expanding its' operations to Houston, Texas.

"Our instructors have decades of welding inspection experience and are deftly involved with the American Welding Society, providing the most up to date training for the ever-evolving CWI exam," stated AINDT CEO Don Booth. "We not only prepare our students for taking the CWI exam but also provide them with real life experiences from industry experts."

I’ve received a lot of concerns from prospective students regarding Nondestructive Testing questions in the CWI exam.

Many who have taken CWI prep courses at other institutions found that the coverage of fundamental NDT knowledge is lacking. I imagine this is because most companies that offer CWI prep courses have instructors who may be knowledgeable in practical welding and visual inspection but may not have an NDT background.

AWS does not expect CWIs to be deftly knowledgeable in NDT methods but the newest version of the exam does expect CWIs to have a basic understanding of Ultrasonics, Radiography, Liquid Penetrant, Magnetic Particle and Electromagnetic Testing since NDT of welds is very ingrained in the CWIs work.

AINDT instructors are not only CWIs with a practical welding background but are also ASNT Level IIIs. I myself worked as a code welder am an SCWI and an ASNT level III.

AINDT not only provides CWI prep courses but we also provide Level I, II and III training for Nondestructive Testing in several methods. Rest assured that our CWI prep course will ensure you are sufficiently knowledgeable in Nondestructive testing.

Magnetic particle test pieces will help you maintain your mag particle process by verifying magnetic particle performance. Use to check for mag particle deterioration, to compare different magnetic powders, to verify sensitivity or visibility or to assure field direction and strength. In this blog we look at the primary use of Quantitative Quality Indicators (QQIs) and Magnetic Flux Indicators which are to verify field direction and strength.

Field strength and orientation are key factors in a successful magnetic particle examination. Sufficient magnetic field must be present to form indications on the surface being examined. And because magnetism is directional in nature, only discontinuities that cross the lines of flux will produce leakage fields to form those indications.

Unfortunately, the magnetic field within the part cannot be measured directly. So many practitioners use artificial flaws or test pieces to confirm magnetic field strength. At the same time, artificial flaws can confirm direction since only those orthogonal to the lines of flux will form indications. The most common artificial flaws in use are QQIs and Flux Indicator Strips. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing the right tool for your inspection.

AINDT offers the Radiographic Testing (RT) Level II Online Course. This course runs $699 and begins with a review of Level I subjects, continuing with the technical production of proper radiographic imaging. Studies focus on:

Optimizing contrast

Definition

Sensitivity

Film processing

Interpretation

Calculations

Shot techniques

Utilizing acceptance criteria per relevant codes and standards

This course is required for those who have completed RT I and want to advance to a higher certification level. Instructors are waiting to speak with you, so call today for more information: (855) 313-0325.

Want a new career, but the financial considerations seem out of reach? Worried your credit score won't allow you to qualify for assistance? AINDT is excited to now offer financing through Meritize. Your dreams are within reach! Meritize allows you to:

Use your transcript to enhance your credit and improve loan options

Fund the full cost of tuition on your own merit

Choose affordable fixed or variable rates

Select repayment options that work best for you-- full payments, interest-only payments, or no payments until 3 months after graduation

and so much more! Don't let finances stand in your way of a new, rewarding career in non-destructive testing. Call today for more information--instructors are waiting to speak with you! (855) 313-0325.

NDT, or nondestructive testing, plays a crucial role in assuring that structural and mechanical components perform their function in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective manner. NDT technicians perform the necessary tests to locate the indicators and discontinuities that may cause failures or shutdowns in these systems. NDT is performed in a manner that does not affect the future usefulness of the object or material, and can be employed while components are in use to detect service-related conditions caused by:

wear

fatigue

corrosion

stress

other factors

Simply put, NDT keeps the world safer for everyone. Are you ready for a new, rewarding career that will always be in demand? Call AINDT today. Instructors are waiting to speak with you! (855) 313-0325.

AINDT (Baxter, MN) now offers this comprehensive prep course for ASNT Level III Basic Exam. Our prep course saves you time and money and allows you to work at your own pace. This interactive and engaging course is available on any internet-ready mobile device, including tablets. Our ASNT Level III Basic Exam Prep Course is $799 and includes:

Reading assignments

PowerPoint presentations of key points for each chapter.

Flashcard question review

Practice quizzes

Video lectures for NDT math and method demonstrations.

Multiple practice final exams

All needed books can be purchased from ASNT.org, or may be shipped to you upon enrollment. Call us TODAY and we will get you enrolled and ready for your ASNT Level III Basic Exam! (855) 313-0325.

We reveal common penetrant inspection misperceptions we’ve seen in the field in recent years

The liquid penetrant method of nondestructive testing has been used since the 1940’s. But even after being used by generations of NDT professionals, there are still some common areas of confusion or misunderstanding.

Here we set the record straight on 10 misperceptions we’ve seen in the field in recent years.

1. The highest sensitivity penetrant is the best penetrant for my application

The best penetrant for an application is the one that finds the right indications with the least amount of money and time. Sometimes this means not using the highest sensitivity penetrant.

While it is true that a higher sensitivity penetrant will produce indications for very small discontinuities, a higher sensitivity penetrant will probably not give you the best inspection results if you only need to find medium discontinuities since you will see far more indications than are relevant to the inspection.

To start selecting a penetrant, review any governing specifications and work procedures for required sensitivity levels.

Take into consideration the surface finish and configuration of the part.

A high sensitivity level fluorescent penetrant is appropriate for smooth, highly machined surfaces. However, a high sensitivity level fluorescent penetrant may leave excessive fluorescent background on a rough cast part, making inspection difficult.

A lower sensitivity fluorescent penetrant is a better choice for rough surfaces.

2. A penetrant indication is a discontinuity

A penetrant indication is the visual results or response of the penetrant test which must be interpreted to determine its relevance.

Penetrant indications must be evaluated by a qualified inspector to determine if they are nonrelevant or relevant.

Nonrelevant indications may be present on parts because of inherent surface roughness or seams. Fingerprints or fibers may also cause nonrelevant indications.

Relevant indications are the result of a discontinuity, or interruption in the physical structure of an object, and are evaluated according to acceptance criteria. After evaluation, the part is accepted as is, reworked or discarded.

3. Water washable penetrants are water based

Some water washable penetrants are water based. However, this is not always the case. A penetrant can be water washable and not contain water.

Water-washable penetrants contain surfactants which allow the penetrant to be easily removed from the part surface with water rinsing, regardless of if they are water-based or oil-based.

4. Penetrants are only used on nonferrous metals

Penetrants can be used to inspect ferrous and nonferrous metals.

Penetrant inspection will find discontinuities open to the surface on ferrous and nonferrous metals.

Penetrant testing should not be done on porous surfaces, as the pores will act as discontinuities to trap penetrant and prevent accurate inspection.

5. Penetrant will be able to penetrate a discontinuity that contains water

Penetrant cannot seep into a discontinuity if it is already filled with water or other liquid.

Likewise, penetrant will not displace or penetrate through paint, particulate, oil or grease.

This is one of the reasons why an important prerequisite for a valid penetrant inspection is to start with properly cleaned and dried parts.

6. Tanks and an inspection booth are required for penetrant inspection

Penetrant inspection is easy to adapt to different environments and job sites.

Penetrant inspection systems with stationary tanks and booths are commonly seen in production environments. However, both fluorescent and visible dye penetrants are available in aerosol cans and kits for convenience and portability.

9. Penetrant inspection should be the final check in a manufacturing process

Penetrant inspection is useful immediately after any manufacturing process which is known to cause discontinuities. This allows parts to be reworked or discarded earlier in the manufacturing process, which saves time and cost.

Penetrant inspection may sometimes be performed more than once during the manufacture of a part.

The placement of each penetrant inspection process should be optimized to locate manufacturing-induced discontinuities and reduce the amount of scrap or rework done later in the manufacturing process.

10. Penetrant inspection can take place at any point in the manufacturing process

As discussed, it is important to perform penetrant inspection after manufacturing operations likely to cause discontinuities open to the surface in parts.

However, care must be taken to perform penetrant inspection prior to mechanical operations that will smear the metal surface. Machining operations such as shot blasting, peening or grinding may close surface discontinuities, which can prevent subsequent penetrant inspections from finding these discontinuities.

Penetrant inspection should take place before machining operations like shot blasting, peening or grinding unless chemical etching can be used between these operations and the penetrant testing to reliably expose the discontinuities.

What other common misunderstandings or mistakes have you seen? Share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Day 5: UT thickness gauging safety pins on the top of a grain elevator (about 100 feet up, harnessed and dangling off the roof); MT on a repair weld for the boom of a cement truck

Never know what the day will hold for me, and I really like that. No RT, which is unfortunate. We've mostly got maritime customers, but it seems like there is quite a bit of railroad, construction, paper mill, and manufacturing customers, too.

"Like others, I probably contributed to some weld cracking earlier in my career through ignorance about the effects of hydrogen on some metals. Problem #1 … working as a young Welder, there was usually a stash of 7018 electrodes somewhere handy saving a trip to the holding oven. Problem #2 … I'm showing my age in saying that at that time, microwave ovens had not yet showed up in cafeterias to warm up meals. No problems though as electrode ovens did a good job of heating up leftover mac 'n cheese or a can of baked beans for a warm dinner.

Adding to our ignorance, the welding rods used in both of these circumstances seemed none the worse for the wear making welds that appeared to be acceptable. So the loosely applied rules about keeping the electrodes only in dry holding ovens and used within 4 hours did not seem to justify compliance. Moisture absorbed by SMAW electrode flux coating is only one source of hydrogen entering a weld deposit. It can also exist in FCAW wires, SAW flux or come from high ambient humidity or lubricants used in other manufacturing processes. Moisture of course is hydrogen and oxygen while oils and greases are usually hydrocarbons.

My intent here is to explain in understandable terms why it is so important to control weld exposure to hydrogen for those higher strength steels that are susceptible to hydrogen induced cold cracking (HICC). I’m not a Metallurgist and I may be taking some liberties in the following explanation, but to me at least hearing the effects of HICC first hand and my analogies to explain this phenomenon seem to make sense."

The American Institute of Nondestructive Testing not only offers training for exciting, high-demand careers with competitive salaries—we offer blended learning, which the U.S. Department of Education has found to be the most effective method of learning. AINDT's blended learning program combines flexible, affordable instruction as well as hands-on training to complete your course. Best of all, our online courses offer the ultimate flexibility. You can study, watch video lectures, and even complete quizzes on your iPad, iPhone, and Android devices! Instructors are able to teach active learning courses over the internet, and students can work at home on other assignments at their own pace, which helps stimulate self-directed learning. Instructors are free to offer more individualized assistance to those who need it, rather than being in a large lecture hall. AINDT's blended learning is designed to ensure success. Are YOU ready for an exciting new direction? Call AINDT for details today. Instructors are on hand waiting to speak with you! (855) 313-0325.

AINDT offers your complete training to get you started on a rewarding, high-paying career in nondestructive testing. NDT is a constantly-evolving field in high demand in all manner of industries, from transportation to utility and power. If you are looking for an NDT training school that offers all the training you need to get into a rewarding career in nondestructive testing, look no further than AINDT! Our blended learning program offers you the convenience of online NDT training from wherever you may live, followed by hands-on NDT training at our Baxter, MN facility. The combination of our online NDT curriculum, followed by 18 days of hands-on training using the most up-to-date NDT equipment will give you the skills needed to enter into a rewarding career in nondestructive testing. Our NDT training program includes all required study material and books for your online training, which takes approximately 6 months. Our training program will prepare you for NDT certification by an NDT employer. The online portion of your NDT training can be started at any time, and hands-on training is available 6 times per year (every other month starting in January) and will be scheduled at the student's discretion. With job placement assistance and an amazing new career waiting for you, call AINDT today for more information: (855) 313-0325. Instructors are waiting to speak with you!

"The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Market is Expected to Reach USD 11.39 Billion by 2022 at a CAGR of 8.30% Between 2016 and 2022"

"The non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection market size was valued at USD 6.46 Billion in 2015 and is expected to increase to USD 11.39 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 8.30% between 2016 and 2022. The base year considered for the study is 2015 and the forecast period is between 2016 and 2022. This report provides a detailed analysis of the non-destructive inspection market based on technique, method, service, vertical, and geography. The demand for NDT is increasing all over the world due to regulations by governments for improving the overall safety of industrial assets, workforce, and the surrounding environment. Non-destructive testing is a process to test defects or discontinuities in materials, components, or assemblies without destroying its serviceability."

Our current enrollment is starting for our UT Shearwave Weld Examination courses this year. Earn your certification and earn more opportunities for lucrative employment in the future! AINDT is offering this 5-day, intensive, hands-on course at our Baxter, Minnesota location on the following dates in 2017:

March 27th - March 31st

May 22nd - May 26th

July 31st - Aug. 4th

Oct. 2nd - Oct. 6th

If these dates don’t work out for you, we are offering custom dates to groups of four or more from your company. Contact us for details or to arrange your custom dates: (855) 313-0325. We look forward to speaking with you!

Our ASNT Level III Basic Exam prep course is more than just reading. We have everything you need to succeed across a variety of platforms. In addition to reading assignments, our ASNT Level III Basic Exam prep course includes:

PowerPoint presentations of key points for each chapter

Flashcard question review

Practice quizzes

Video lectures for NDT math and method demonstrations

Multiple practice final exams

This engaging and exciting course gives you all the ingredients for a successful pass on the ASNT Level III Basic Exam. Work on your own time, at your own pace. Call (855) 313-0325 today for more information and to speak to one of our instructors. Your exciting new career awaits!

"NDT training services market is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period"

"The demand for NDT services would increase in the near future owing to the aging infrastructure and the increasing rate of new infrastructure development. Moreover, owing to the shift to advanced NDT techniques, such as phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) from traditional NDT techniques; there would be a need for skilled technicians. As a result, the NDT training services market is expected to grow because of the shortage for trained technicians for conducting NDT inspections in the NDT market. "Oil & gas sector is expected to hold the largest share during the forecast period"

The demand for NDT technologies in the oil & gas sector is largely driven by government regulations for improving the safety of people and environment by avoiding oil spillage due to leaks, bursting of pipes, or any other accidents. As majority of the piping infrastructure and refineries are timeworn, it is imperative to conduct regular NDT inspections to ensure the integrity of these assets. The fall in oil prices since the end of 2014 are not expected to significantly impact the demand for NDT inspection on existing infrastructure. Thus, the oil & gas sector is expected to remain the largest market for NDT during the forecast period."

"I am writing to let you know how happy my husband and I are with our decision to have our son Matthew train in NDT through your excellent program. As you know, he recently accepted an offer and began working at TEAM Industrial Testing in New Jersey. His training has him ahead of the curve for his position as an assistant Radiographer and that is a credit to your program.

Matthew is now working in refineries and power plants in and around the Philadelphia area and loves the challenge every day brings with his new career. He often talks of his great experience in the month of hands-on training in Baxter. The advice and life stories of your entire staff had a great impact on a young man who is both ambitious and excited about his future.

Matthew is the youngest of 6 children in our family, 5 of whom attended colleges and universities with varying degrees in diverse fields of education. It is safe to say his career outlook is as promising or even more so than some of his siblings. Your program casts new light on careers in the trade industry.

We wish you continued success with your program and will most certainly share our positive experience with others. Thank you again for giving our son a great education and an opportunity of a very bright future."

"It’s no secret that the US economy, and the global economy in general, have seen some tough times. Many sectors were slow to recover from the 2008 recession, and for the American middle class, things aren’t getting much easier.

In many career fields, an expensive college education leads to a middle class income saddled with student loan debt. NDT (nondestructive testing) is one incredible exception. A career in nondestructive testing requires a relatively small investment in education, and the payoff is an excellent salary.

Just how excellent is that salary? Glad you asked. We researched education and salaries for various careers and compared the results to a typical NDT salary, as reported by PQNDT in their annual NDT salary survey. Check it out–and check out the full survey from PQNDT. Whether you’re a seasoned NDT professional or you’re considering a career in NDT, the survey from PQNDT is an incredible resource."

Please include attribution to http://www.bergeng.com/blog/ with this graphic.

"Ultrasonic phased array testing is a powerful NDT technology and one whose use is growing rapidly, however it can seem complex to a person who has not worked with it. This self-guided tutorial is a basic introduction to ultrasonic phased array testing, both for newcomers and for more experienced users who want a review of basic principles. It begins with what phased array testing is and how it works, then outlines some considerations for selecting probes and instruments, and ends with links to phased array application notes and a phased array glossary. In addition to text and illustrations it includes a series of interactive Flash files as learning tools."